Migraine

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe headache that can cause throbbing, pulsing head pain on one side of your head. The headache phase of a migraine usually last a few hours but it can also last for days. Migraines can worsen with physical activity, bright lights, loud noises, and strong odours. 

Migraines can disrupt and interfere with your daily routine. There are medicines to help prevent migraines and make them more manageable. 

Types of migraines

Migraines with aura: This refers to migraines with visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms that appear about 10 - 60 minutes before the headache starts.

Migraines without aura: This type of migraines is more common and typically lasts between four to 72 hours.

What are symptoms of a Migraine?

There are four stages of a migraine,

• Prodrome

The first phase happens up to 24 hours before a headache occurs. Symptoms include changes in your mood, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. 

• Aura

An aura is a group of sensory, motor and/or speech symptoms that act as a warning sign of a migraine headache. The aura phase may last for as short as five minutes or as long as an hour. You may experience both the aura and headache at the same time. Other symptoms you may experience include muscle weakness, changes in your vision, or ringing in your ears.

• Headache

A migraine headache is a severe, one-sided head pain that typically last between four to 72 hours and may include other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to sounds, lights, and odours. Migraine headaches may feel like a throbbing, pulsing, pounding, or dull ache, it differs from person to person. 

• Postdrome

The postdrome stage typically last up to 48 hours and symptoms may resemble an alcohol-induced hangover. Symptoms include fatigue, neck stiffness and trouble focusing.

What causes Migraines?

Genetics and environmental factors often appear to play a role in causing migraines. Some factors that may cause a migraine include:

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuation in estrogen levels before or during menstrual periods or during pregnancy and menopause may trigger migraines in some people. Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, may also worsen migraines. 
• Alcohol and caffeine: Consuming alcohol or too much caffeine may trigger a migraine.
• Stress: Work or home stress may trigger migraines.
• Sensory stimuli: Bright or flashing lights, loud sounds or strong smells may cause migraines in some people.
• Changes in sleep cycle: Sleeping too much or too little may trigger migraines.
• Weather changes: A change in weather may cause migraines.
• Foods: Certain food items such as aged cheese or processed foods might trigger migraines. Skipping meals may also trigger it. 

What are the risk factors for Migraines?

Certain risk factors may cause you to be more prone to having migraines, such as:

• Family history: If a close family member is known to have migraines, you have a higher chance of developing them yourself.
• Age: Migraines often start occuring when you're a teenager and peak in your 30s before gradually becoming less frequent.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop migraines than men.
• Hormonal changes: Migraines may be more likely to occur before or during your menstrual period, as well as during pregnancy. They gradually improve after menopause.

How do you prevent Migraines?

Migraines cannot be fully prevented but you can take steps to lower your risk of developing one. This includes taking preventive migraine medications to reduce how often and how severe the migraines are. You can also take note of your triggers and work with your doctor to avoid them.

How is a Migraine diagnosed?

Physical examination
Your healthcare provider might conduct a physical examination and ask questions to learn more about your medical and biological family health history. 

Imaging Test
You may undergo imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out other causes of your pain.